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Director Shader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As Director of Engineering, you will own the technical execution of this system:from the real-time ... Experience with node-based systems (visual programming, shader graphs, NLE timelines, etc.

Senior VFX Artist - Art Center

CA · On-site +1

$115K - $155K/yr

Lead performance optimization efforts, managing particle counts, shader complexity, and overdraw budgets * Provide direct, constructive feedback to distributed teams (US, Poland, Suzhou) * Create ...

Director of Engineering, Graph

San Jose, CA · On-site

$296K/yr

As Director of Engineering, you will own the technical execution of this system: from the real-time ... Experience with node-based systems (visual programming, shader graphs, NLE timelines, etc.

As Director of Engineering, you will own the technical execution of this system:from the real-time ... Experience with node-based systems (visual programming, shader graphs, NLE timelines, etc.

AV Production Operator

Washington, DC · On-site

$17.75 - $21.50/hr

Producer, Director, TD, Graphics Operator, Replay Operator, Audio Operator, Playback Operator, Engineer, Video Shader, or Camera Operator. * Collaborate with AV Manager to support, produce and ...

AV Production Operator

Washington, DC · On-site

$17.75 - $21.50/hr

Producer, Director, TD, Graphics Operator, Replay Operator, Audio Operator, Playback Operator, Engineer, Video Shader, or Camera Operator.

Principal Graphics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$164K - $203K/yr

CPU/GPU bottlenecks, shader cost, texture and buffer management, compositor interactions, and end ... Strong written communication and a self-directed working style suited to a small, senior, high ...

Principal Graphics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$143K - $177K/yr

CPU/GPU bottlenecks, shader cost, texture and buffer management, compositor interactions, and end ... Strong written communication and a self-directed working style suited to a small, senior, high ...

Principal Graphics Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$164K - $203K/yr

CPU/GPU bottlenecks, shader cost, texture and buffer management, compositor interactions, and end ... Strong written communication and a self-directed working style suited to a small, senior, high ...

CPU/GPU bottlenecks, shader cost, texture and buffer management, compositor interactions, and end ... Strong written communication and a self-directed working style suited to a small, senior, high ...

Principal Graphics Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · Remote

$143K - $177K/yr

CPU/GPU bottlenecks, shader cost, texture and buffer management, compositor interactions, and end ... Strong written communication and a self-directed working style suited to a small, senior, high ...

Principal Graphics Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$138K - $171K/yr

CPU/GPU bottlenecks, shader cost, texture and buffer management, compositor interactions, and end ... Strong written communication and a self-directed working style suited to a small, senior, high ...

Principal Graphics Engineer

Austin, TX · Remote

$143K - $177K/yr

CPU/GPU bottlenecks, shader cost, texture and buffer management, compositor interactions, and end ... Strong written communication and a self-directed working style suited to a small, senior, high ...

Principal Graphics Engineer

New York, NY · Remote

$143K - $177K/yr

CPU/GPU bottlenecks, shader cost, texture and buffer management, compositor interactions, and end ... Strong written communication and a self-directed working style suited to a small, senior, high ...

Principal Graphics Engineer

New York, NY

$153K - $189K/yr

CPU/GPU bottlenecks, shader cost, texture and buffer management, compositor interactions, and end ... Strong written communication and a self-directed working style suited to a small, senior, high ...

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Director Shader information

What is the difference between Director Shader vs Lead Shader?

AspectDirector ShaderLead Shader
CredentialsProven experience in shader development, often with a strong portfolioSimilar credentials, often with additional leadership or mentorship experience
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with art and technical teams in game or film studiosLeads shader teams, works closely with artists and programmers
Industry UsageCommon in AAA game studios, VFX, and animation companiesOften found in similar environments, sometimes as a step below or alongside Director Shader

The main difference between a Director Shader and a Lead Shader lies in their scope of responsibility. The Director Shader typically oversees the overall shader development process and sets artistic and technical standards, while the Lead Shader focuses more on leading the shader team, implementing specific shader techniques, and ensuring project deadlines are met. Both roles require strong technical skills and industry experience, but the Director Shader usually has a broader strategic role.

More about Director Shader jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Shader jobs? Cities with the most Director Shader job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Shader jobs? The most popular types of Shader jobs are:
What states have the most Director Shader jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Shader jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Director Shader jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Director Shader jobs are:
Infographic showing various Director Shader job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.
Senior VFX Artist - Art Center

Senior VFX Artist - Art Center

Snail Games USA

Beverly Hills, CA • On-site, Remote

$115K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

About Snail Games USASnail Games strives to create the new high bar for gameplay experience in online gaming. We have been a global developer and publisher of digital entertainment since 2009 and are committed to pushing the boundaries of the industry.
About the RoleWe are seeking a Senior VFX Artist to unify and elevate real-time visual effects quality across multiple Unreal Engine projects. This role operates within the Art Center as the VFX domain authority, responsible for defining standards, strengthening technical foundations, and ensuring combat and environmental effects are both visually compelling and gameplay-readable.
This is not a project-embedded production role. You will monitor VFX execution across projects, proactively identify risks in performance, clarity, or workflow, and propose actionable solutions before escalation. You are expected to establish scalable Niagara systems, guide distributed teams, and step in hands-on during high-priority or high-risk moments to deliver critical work directly.
You will collaborate closely with Design, Animation, Lighting, Engineering, and Technical Art to ensure VFX supports gameplay clarity, performance budgets, and visual identity across fantasy, stylized, and sci-fi projects.
Job Type: Full-TimeLocation: Remote - Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Missouri, New Jersey, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming (Los Angeles area strongly preferred)
Responsibilities
  • Define and elevate VFX standards across multiple Unreal Engine projects
  • Monitor cross-project VFX quality and proactively identify artistic or technical risks
  • Develop solution plans before escalation to senior leadership
  • Design and build high-quality real-time VFX from concept through final implementation
  • Establish scalable, reusable Niagara systems and clean production pipelines
  • Ensure combat and environmental effects maintain gameplay readability and performance discipline
  • Lead performance optimization efforts, managing particle counts, shader complexity, and overdraw budgets
  • Provide direct, constructive feedback to distributed teams (US, Poland, Suzhou)
  • Create benchmarks, documentation, and best practices for consistent VFX execution
  • Step in hands-on during high-risk or high-visibility moments to stabilize delivery
  • Operate as the single-discipline VFX authority within the Art Center

Minimum Requirements
  • Proven experience delivering high-quality real-time VFX in Unreal Engine (UE4 or UE5)
  • Strong expertise in Niagara systems and real-time shader/material workflows
  • Deep understanding of gameplay readability, combat feedback, and visual hierarchy
  • Experience optimizing VFX for PC and console performance targets
  • Demonstrated ability to diagnose workflow inefficiencies and implement improvements
  • Comfort operating independently and proposing actionable solutions in ambiguous environments
  • Ability to provide clear, direct feedback across disciplines
  • Unreal Engine Experience: Proficiency with Unreal Engine, preferably UE4 or UE5
  • Comfort using AI tools to accelerate iteration and reduce friction.

Nice to Have
  • Experience working across multiple visual styles (realistic, stylized, fantasy, sci-fi)
  • Familiarity with pipeline collaboration alongside Technical Art and Engineering
  • Experience mentoring or elevating other VFX artists
  • Background supporting both game and cinematic VFX workflows

Salary Range: $115,000 - $155,000 Annually
Why Join the Snail Games USA Team?
  • True focus on work/life balance
  • Paid company holidays, vacation, and separate sick leave
  • Medical, dental, vision, and Life/LTD
  • 401k with company match

Additional Information
As part of the Company's activities in video game development, publishing, and short-form video content creation, certain projects, discussions, or creative materials may include themes, visuals, language, or subject matter that some individuals could find mature, violent, sexual, graphic, or otherwise sensitive in nature (collectively referred to as "Mature Content"). Examples may include, but are not limited to, depictions or descriptions of combat, violence, adult themes or relationships, suggestive or satirical humor, or strong language. Employees are expected to engage with such material in a professional and creative context as part of their job duties.